Principle Civil Design Engineer

AFECO; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a senior civil engineer to lead the design of innovative wastewater treatment solutions. This pivotal role involves overseeing complex civil engineering projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and environmental regulations. You will manage design calculations, mentor junior engineers, and engage with diverse stakeholders to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget. Joining the newly established Design Hub offers a unique opportunity to shape a world-class team and make a significant impact in the vital water management sector. If you are passionate about building sustainable solutions and leading transformative projects, this role is an excellent fit for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of civil design and project management experience in the water sector.
• Expertise in water resources management and sustainable design practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design and development of civil engineering solutions for wastewater treatment.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate civil designs with other systems.

Skills

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Master's degree in civil engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

HEC-RAS

EPANET

Job description

AFECO is an engineering services provider in the water sector and is part of the United Living Group which includes business that operate in both the water and energy sectors. We work with several major water companies across the UK with a broad portfolio of long-term Frameworks in place that extend throughout AMP8. We have worked with our clients over past AMPs to deliver innovative yet robust projects and are renowned for developing solutions that offer cost effective, low carbon and best value options.

AFECO and the wider United Living Infrastructure (Water) Group have a variety of major long-term frameworks across the UK including design and build Frameworks with Southern Water, Severn Trent, Thames Water and United Utilities. These Frameworks focus on the design, construction, refurbishment and improvement of infrastructure and non-infrastructure assets across the water and wastewater sectors and includes structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, ICA and process disciplines. Our team includes engineers, project delivery managers and site based delivery engineers all providing engineering solutions to our water industry clients.

You will join our Southern team to work on a range of clean and wastewater projects both infrastructure and non-infrastructure based. You will be working on a variety of projects for our clients in the South as well as on projects across the UK.

Job Description

In this senior role, you will be responsible for overseeing the design and development of complex civil engineering solutions for wastewater treatment plants and associated infrastructure. You will lead the design of site layouts, drainage systems, structural components, and other civil works, ensuring compliance with project requirements, industry standards, and environmental regulations. As a key technical leader, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of civil designs with mechanical, electrical, and environmental systems.

You will manage the preparation of design calculations, specifications, and reports, and provide guidance on cost estimation, material selection, and project planning. Additionally, you will oversee and mentor junior engineers, manage design reviews, and ensure high-quality delivery on time and within budget. Regular site visits will be required to support construction activities, resolve issues, and ensure the successful implementation of civil designs, contributing to the safe, reliable, and sustainable delivery of wastewater treatment solutions.

In joining the newly established Design Hub will give you the chance to contribute significantly to shaping a world-class design team, particularly in the water industry. This is a pivotal role, and your contributions could leave a lasting impact on AFECO and the industry at large, especially in a sector as vital and evolving as water management. If you're excited by the prospect of building something from the ground up and shaping the future of water design, this opportunity seems like a perfect fit!

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of civil engineering principles, water resources management, hydraulics, and structural design, with advanced expertise in water-related infrastructure.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, with a focus on innovative and sustainable water management solutions.
• High-level skills in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, hydraulic modelling tools (e.g., HEC-RAS, EPANET), and project management software.
• Expertise in managing large-scale projects, budgeting, scheduling, and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and present technical information clearly.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in civil engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or Chartered Engineer status.
• Extensive experience (typically 5+ years) in civil design and project management within the water sector.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and sustainable design practices.
• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) is advantageous.
• Professional development through workshops, courses, and seminars in civil and water engineering.
• Experience with relevant industry standards and software tools.